Noli Me Tangere Chapter 20 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc.

This post contains a short summary of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 20 – The Meeting in the Town Hall. In addition, you will also learn about the characters mentioned in this chapter, the setting, key events, as well as the lessons and important insights you can gain from it.

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Summary of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 20 – The Meeting in the Town Hall

Ibarra and the teacher attended a meeting at the tribunal, the hall where the powerful and wealthy people of San Diego held their gatherings and discussions. The meeting was about the upcoming town fiesta and the construction of a school for the town. The attendees were divided into two groups: the conservatives, led by the Kabesa, and the liberals, led by Don Filipo.

There was a discussion about the programs and activities planned for the fiesta. Don Filipo suggested creating a detailed list of expenses, building a large stage in the plaza, and holding a week-long comedy show. He also proposed using fireworks for added excitement. However, the Kabesa opposed this, proposing a simpler celebration with no fireworks and ensuring that only locals would participate in the programs. The focus of the performances should be on Filipino traditions.

In the end, the proposals from both groups were overruled because the parish priest had already decided on the fiesta activities. There would be six processions, three sermons, three high masses, and one comedy show, showing the strong influence of the church on the town’s decisions.

See also: Noli Me Tangere Summary of Each Chapter (1-64) »

Important Events in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 20

1. Ibarra and the teacher attended a meeting at the San Diego tribunal to discuss the upcoming fiesta and the construction of a school.
2. The attendees were divided into two groups: the conservatives, led by the Kabesa, and the liberals, led by Don Filipo.
3. There was a discussion about the fiesta activities, with Don Filipo proposing modern programs, while the Kabesa suggested traditional activities.
4. In the end, the suggestions from both groups were ignored because the parish priest had already made decisions about the fiesta.

Characters in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 20

These are the characters mentioned in the chapter 20 of Noli Me Tangere:

Crisostomo Ibarra

The main character who attended the meeting to participate in discussions about the fiesta and the construction of a school for the town.

The Teacher of San Diego

He accompanied Ibarra to the meeting and was also interested in the plans for education and the town fiesta.

Kabesa

The leader of the conservatives or the older group. He advocated for a simple fiesta celebration and opposed extravagant fireworks.

Don Filipo

The leader of the liberals or the younger group. He proposed a detailed list of expenses and plans for a grander fiesta celebration with fireworks and a large show.

Captain Basilio

A wealthy man in San Diego who also attended the meeting and participated in the discussions. He was known as a rival of Don Rafael Ibarra.

Read more: Noli Me Tangere Characters and Their Roles »

Setting in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 20

The chapter took place at the San Diego tribunal, the hall where the powerful and wealthy people of the town held their meetings. This was where the discussions about the upcoming fiesta and the town’s plans took place.

Lessons in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 20

1. This chapter shows the influence of the church on government decisions, where even after discussions and proposals, the final decision lies with the parish priest.
2. The division of the attendees into two groups shows the different perspectives on governance and town development. It also highlights the lack of unity needed to achieve goals for the common good.
3. Don Filipo’s proposal for a modern celebration and activities reflects his desire for progress and development, while the Kabesa’s proposal shows a commitment to preserving tradition.
4. The overruling of both groups’ suggestions due to the priest’s decision shows the limitations of decision-making freedom under church control.
5. This chapter suggests that real power in a town lies not only with politicians or community leaders but also with the church, which can dictate the direction of town activities.

See also: Noli Me Tangere Historical Background »

And that concludes the summary, characters, setting, and lessons of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 20. If you found this lesson helpful, please share it with others so they can learn as well.

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Read next: Noli Me Tangere Chapter 21 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc. »